20 Things to do in Chicago this September

9/4
On Style and Knockoff
Hear from fashion designers, legal experts and artists as they dive into the concept of ownership, boundaries and creative expression. 6pm, tickets $15, Museum of Contemporary Art, mcachicago.org

9/6
Bright Futures
Join the Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center for its fall benefit dedicated to brightening the futures of tomorrow’s medical professionals. 6:30-11pm, tickets $225-$2,000, Theater on the Lake, thewomansboard.org

9/6
River North Design District Gallery Walk
Upgrade your window-shopping routine with VIP events surrounding the swanky downtown stroll between showrooms and vignettes from 35 master artists and 23 ever-chic designers. 5-9pm, tickets for kickoff and afterparty $35 each, rivernorthdesigndistrict.com

9/7
Lenny Kravitz
The genre-bending Grammy Award winner’s performing career ain’t over till it’s over—and thank goodness for that. 7:30pm, tickets $38-$100, Ravinia, ravinia.org

9/7
Maria Callas in Concert
Experience one of opera’s most influential sopranos with the help of holographic technology, digitally remastered records of La Divina’s best performances and the Lyric Opera orchestra. 7:30pm, tickets $39-$125, lyricopera.org

9/9
Second City Divas
The leading ladies of Chicago’s vibrant theater scene gather under one roof for a one-night-only spectacular benefiting the AIDS-focused Season of Concern charity. 7:30pm, tickets $50, Mercury Theater, seasonofconcern.org

9/13-29
World Music Festival
Explore a sweeping range of cultural performances from more than 650 artists from 80 countries at this globally focused fest. Times and locations vary, free, worldmusicfestivalchicago.org

9/14
Oriental Institute Centennial Gala
Commemorate 100 years of the University of Chicago’s pioneering center for ancient Middle East archeology with a black-tie gala at the newly renovated OI museum. 6-11pm, tickets $500, oi100.uchicago.edu

Sip on sumptuous pours curated by expert sommeliers at Wine Riot.

9/14
Wine Riot
Hosted by top sommelier Erik Segelbaum, the VIP experience at Wine Riot promises much more than your average wine tasting, with one-on-one access to local sommeliers, exclusive food pairings and a wine pronunciation bee. Times vary, VIP tickets $95, Revel Fulton Market, wineriot.com

For the first time, see the McCormick House in a domestic display.

9/14-1/12
McCormick House Past, Present and Future
Step into a midcentury daydream curated by interior architect Robert Kleinschmidt alongside touching personal anecdotes of those who made the McCormick House their home. 11am-5pm, tickets $15, Elmhurst Art Museum, elmhurstartmuseum.org

9/15
Nick Offerman: All Rise
Put the woodworking aside and prepare for a laugh as the iconic Parks and Recreation man’s-man performs at Chicago Theatre. 7pm, tickets $50-$204, thechicagotheatre.com

9/17
Fall Dinner Crawl
Sample supreme bites from some of the city’s top eateries located in the ever-trendy Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. 6-9pm, tickets $35-$45, wickerparkbucktown.‌com

9/19
Haute Dog Chicago
Source inspiration for the hottest looks for man’s best friend during this Fido fashion show while raising money for Canine Companions assistance dogs. 6:30-9:30pm, tickets $200, The Peninsula Chicago, cci.org

9/19-10/27
Destinos
Support Chicago’s Latino theater community with the third-annual festival featuring local players and artists from all over the globe. Times, locations and ticket prices vary, clata.org

9/19-1/5
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Celebrate Chicago’s rich architectural history with an eye toward modern context at exhibits across the city, from Navy Pier to the Beverly Arts Center. Times and ticket prices vary, chicagoarchitecture biennial.com

9/20
Illumination Gala
Where would Chicago be without our industrious Loop? Celebrate how much the city’s epicenter contributes to enriching the culture scene.
6:30-11pm, tickets from $375, Hilton Chicago, loopchicago.com

9/20-28
Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival
For the 10th year, this festival brings together the nation’s best contemporary dancers for two weekends of expression and movement.
8pm, tickets $25, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, hccdf.com

9/21
Get Out With Chicago Sinfonietta
Start the horror movie season with Jordan Peele’s contemporary classic with the MacArthur Award-winning orchestra conducted by the film’s composer. 7:30pm, tickets $29-$68, Auditorium Theatre, auditoriumtheatre.org

9/23-1/19
From Here to There
Consider the relationship between the natural and spiritual worlds with paintings, sculptures, installations and videos from four artists inspired by the Hebrew word Lech Lecha, which means “go forth.” Times vary, free, Spertus Institute, spertus.edu

9/24
National Geographic Live
Celebrate the Grand Canyon National Park’s 100th anniversary as writer Kevin Fedarko and photographer Pete McBride share tales of their expedition accompanied by photos and videos from their trek. 7pm, tickets $42-$54, Auditorium Theatre, auditoriumtheatre.org

9/24
Taste of Lettuce River North
Sample the best of four major River North eateries from dining heavyweight Lettuce Entertain You with a four-course meal complete with cocktail and wine pairings from the likes of Shaw’s Crab House and Beatrix. 6:30pm, tickets $75, Wildfire Chicago, wildfirerestaurant.com

9/24-29
Chicago Gourmet
Fun for both master foodies and casual connoisseurs alike, the city’s most anticipated food festival returns with bites from top chefs like Rick Bayless, Joe Flamm and Sarah Grueneberg. Times vary, weekend pass $310, Grand Cru add-on $205 per day, Millennium Park, chicagogourmet.org